“I was told it’s not a crazy goal,” Kittle said, via David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com. “And so, as long as I keep on the right path and everything goes the right way, hey, I got a chance. As a 15-hour flight and a game like four days before a normal opening day, that might make it a little bit difficult…”

The fact that they will begin the season so far away from home was not well received in San Francisco. “At least, if we started the season off at home, and I didn’t have to hop on a plane for 15 hours, it might be different. But I think it just depends on how I’m feeling, if I’m cleared to go. If I’m cleared, hey, I’ll be there, and I’ll be on the field. And if they’re like, ‘Hey, it’s close,’ it’ll be a game-time decision. So, we’ll see.

“Everybody keeps telling me I won’t be back until Week 6, 7, or 8, and I’ll be like, ‘You guys believe whatever you want to believe.’ My goal is to be back there as early as possible.”

Kittle wants to move past a tough injury

The San Francisco 49ers suffered a devastating blow during their 23-19 Wild Card playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in January 2026, when star tight end George Kittle suffered a torn right Achilles tendon. The injury occurred late in the first half after Kittle hauled in a 6-yard reception—his only catch of the day—and his calf visibly popped as he planted his foot into the ground.

While the resilient Niners managed to rally in the fourth quarter to secure the win, losing the heart and soul of their team completely derailed their deep postseason aspirations and sidelined him for the remainder of the playoffs.

Historic NFL debut in Australia

The NFL is making history in Week 1 of the 2026 season by hosting the first-ever regular season game on Australian soil, featuring a massive NFC West divisional rivalry between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. This historic matchup will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, which boasts a massive capacity of over 100,000 fans.

Because of the massive 17-hour time difference, the game is uniquely scheduled to kick off locally in Australia on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:35 AM. For the American audience, it will air live in prime time on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 5:35 PM PT / 8:35 PM ET.

This blockbuster event highlights the NFL‘s aggressive global expansion, anchoring a record slate of nine international games across four continents this season, and bringing elite star power down under to one of the world’s greatest sporting capitals.

The experienced nose tackle arrived in the NFL in 2017 as an undrafted player, with the Cincinnati Bengals becoming his first team as a professional. He spent six seasons there before joining the Raven Flock, and later had a stint with the Indianapolis Colts.

Tupou already knows Harbaugh and his physical work methodology firsthand. His most recent experience in the league came on the Ravens’ practice squad, and now he arrives in East Rutherford to strengthen the trenches for the G-Men.

Tupou joins an NFC contender

Since breaking into the NFL, Josh Tupou has carved out a solid role as a dependable interior presence and a key asset on special teams. Utilizing his imposing 6-foot-3, 350-pound frame, the Colorado product nose tackle excels at plugging up the middle, racking up 94 total tackles and 3.0 sacks throughout his career.

While his dirty work in the trenches doesn’t always grab headlines, his knack for absorbing double-teams and shutting down rushing lanes makes him an incredibly valuable, selfless piece for any defensive front.

More options for Harbaugh at the position

John Harbaugh has assembled a deeply physical and highly versatile mix of options at nose tackle, perfectly tailored to anchor the interior of the defensive front line. Locking down the starting role is veteran powerhouse DJ Reader, a premier, elite space-eater whose rare knack for absorbing double-teams and shutting down rushing lanes serves as the ultimate anchor for the run defense.

Providing high-upside rotational depth behind him is Leki Fotu, an imposing 6-foot-5, 317-pound journeyman coming off a active 2025 campaign across Las Vegas and Houston where he continued to prove his reliability as a heavy interior presence. Adding massive, young talent to the rotation are rookies Bobby Jamison-Travis—a highly productive 328-pound Auburn standout who racked up a career-high 36 tackles in 2025—and the towering 6-foot-5, 340-pound Anquin Barnes Jr. out of Colorado.

Together, this specialized rotation offers Harbaugh the perfect blend of seasoned block-shedders and explosive youthful size to consistently choke out opposing run games.

“I mean, my whole life since high school, I haven’t really had a stable quarterback,” Boston said on The Insiders. “So I’m used to having different quarterbacks throwing to me each and every year. So, you know, it doesn’t affect me too much.“

Although Todd Monken recently stated that “nothing’s changed” regarding the idea of alternating snaps between both players, sooner or later he will have to make a decision. Meanwhile, Boston is prepared to play with either of them.

“You know, I’m not really paying attention to what reps are with who, you know, I’ll just go out there and just try to produce for whoever pass me the ball,“ the WR also added. “You know, I think Dillon (Gabriel), I think Shedeur, and I also think, you know, Deshaun Watson have all put on a great show. And so far in OTAs, you know, that decision has nothing to do with me. I just go out there and ball, make plays for them.”

Sanders or Watson: The decision the HC must make

Todd Monken faces a massive, franchise-altering decision at quarterback, caught between a high-priced veteran and a highly capable sophomore. On one hand, Deshaun Watson is working his way back after a devastating re-ruptured Achilles tendon in early 2025 sidelined him for the entire season.

On the other hand, Shedeur Sanders flashed a high-upside potential across 8 games and 7 starts, throwing for 1,400 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and adding a rushing score. While his rookie year came with typical growing pains—including 10 interceptions and a 56.6% completion rate—his peak was undeniable.

Now, Monken must decide whether to hand the keys back to a heavily compensated Watson or trust the future of the offense to his young, dynamic playmaker.

The Browns still have time to make some tests

The Cleveland Browns are currently navigating their 2026 offseason schedule, holding their OTA workouts from May 19–21, May 26–28, and wrapping up on June 2–5, right before mandatory minicamp kicks off on June 9.

While the NFL has not yet announced the official start date for training camp, the team is slated to report to the Cross Country Mortgage Campus in Berea in mid-to-late July to officially begin their summer prep.

“There’s a ton of little things that we have to clean up, that if we can play how we should play, I mean we want to be the best Broncos defense in history,“ he said during an appearance on the DNVR Broncos podcast.

“This organization has nothing but history in defense. So, to be able to come in day one, it’s our fourth year with (defensive coordinator) V.J. (Vance Joseph) to kind of, let’s get all the wrinkles figured out, which we’re doing right now. That’s what these next few weeks are all about. And I think if we just do the little things better, we will get those turnovers.“

Singleton’s resilience

Alex Singleton’s 2025 campaign with the Denver Broncos was nothing short of an absolute masterclass in resilience. After successfully grinding his way back from a 2024 ACL tear, the veteran linebacker faced an even bigger battle when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in early November.

In a mind-blowing display of mental toughness, Singleton chose to play through the immediate aftermath of the news, suiting up to log nine tackles in a Week 10 win over the Raiders before undergoing surgery the very next morning. His recovery was just as incredible: he missed only a single game, returning to action just 23 days post-operation to help anchor Denver’s defense on a magical run all the way to the AFC Championship Game.

Singleton finished the 2025 season with 16 starts, 135 total tackles (including 85 solo stops), a sack, and a Pro Bowl alternate nod. Now completely cancer-free with clean scans, he has turned his whirlwind diagnosis into a platform, openly using his story to champion early screening and preventative health.

Sean Payton’s defense wants to make a statement in Denver

Heading into the next NFL season, Sean Payton is aiming to establish the Denver Broncos as the undisputed premier defense in the league. Last season, Vance Joseph’s defensive unit finished third in modern points allowed (18.3 PPG), second in total yards allowed per game (274.0), and terrorized quarterbacks by leading the league with an incredible 68 team sacks.

To reach an even higher ceiling, Payton will rely heavily on a star-studded defensive spine across all three levels. While Alex Singleton anchors the middle of the field coming off his massive 135-tackle season, the pass rush will be spearheaded by edge rusher Nik Bonitto, who exploded for a career-high 14.0 sacks in 2025.

Up front, DJ Jones will continue to shoulder the dirty work as the primary run-stuffer to free up the linebackers, while the secondary remains locked down by elite shutdown cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Bolstering that backend is hard-hitting safety Talanoa Hufanga, who had a stellar debut year in Denver racking up 106 tackles and 11 pass deflections to earn Second-Team All-Pro honors.

“It’s a group that has a lot of opportunities to them,” the head coach recently revealed during his press conference. “There’s a wide-open room. It’s truly wide open.”

Bhayshul Tuten currently appears to be the best-positioned player on the depth chart, so it would not be surprising if the ground game starts running through him as early as Week 1. With an important preparation period still ahead, Coen still has time to decide who will take on this important role for the team.

Etienne took important numbers to New Orleans

The New Orleans Saints have secured a major backfield weapon by acquiring Travis Etienne, leaving a massive void in Jacksonville that will be incredibly difficult to fill. Over his four active seasons with the Jaguars, Etienne established himself as an elite dual-threat cornerstone, cementing his place in franchise history with 3,798 rushing yards (third all-time) and 25 touchdowns on the ground. His versatility was a focal point of the Jaguars’ offense, contributing 168 receptions for 1,338 yards and 7 receiving scores.

Replacing that level of production is a daunting task for Jacksonville, especially coming off Etienne’s standout 2025 campaign, where he rushed for 1,107 yards and registered a career-high 13 total touchdowns.

Losing a player who consistently guarantees over 1,000 rushing yards while serving as a reliable, explosive target out of the backfield forces the Jaguars into a challenging offensive transition, as modern, high-volume backs with his specific skill set are exceptionally rare in today’s NFL.

Liam Coen’s backfield for the 2026 NFL season

Liam Coen will deploy a completely revamped, committee-driven backfield for the Jaguars this season. Sophomores Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr.—both selected in the 2025 NFL Draft—are expected to handle the bulk of the explosive playmaking duties, with Tuten poised to take a significant leap after serving as a reliable red-zone threat during his rookie year.

Adding powerful depth to the rotation is Chris Rodriguez Jr., who brings valuable familiarity with Coen’s system from their college days together and will likely anchor the short-yardage and goal-line situations.

To round out the group, seasoned veterans Ameer Abdullah and DeeJay Dallas provide reliable pass-catching options out of the backfield and critical special teams versatility. While losing an elite feature back is never easy, Coen’s new-look stable offers a diverse, specialized mix of youth and experience tailored to keep defenses off-balance.

“They’re talented,” Bowles said via nbcsports.com. “We know they’ve got a lot of talent right there. Any time you lose a player like that, or any player that was legendary on their team, different guys got to come in and step up. That’s the nature of sports, and I’m sure we have some guys in that room that will.”

Not only from a statistical standpoint, but also because of the leadership Evans represented for the Buccaneers, he will be difficult to replace. It will be up to coach Bowles to find a way to fill that void, relying on big names such as Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. to get the job done.

Mike Evans’ legacy in Tampa Bay

During his legendary 12-year run in Tampa Bay, Mike Evans wasn’t just a reliable target; he completely rewrote the franchise record books as the ultimate model of consistency. The guy walked into the league and immediately dropped 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons right out of the gate—an NFL record to start a career and a streak tied with the legendary Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons ever.

In his 176 regular-season games with the Bucs, he racked up a staggering 866 receptions, 13,052 receiving yards, and 108 touchdown catches, utterly dominating the team’s all-time receiving leaderboards. He capped off his incredible legacy as a core piece of the Super Bowl LV championship squad, forever cementing his status as a Tampa Bay icon, a lock for the Bucs’ Ring of Honor, and a future Hall of Famer.

Todd Bowles trusts his wide receivers

If they can stay healthy, it is clear that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ receiving corps is one of the best and most solid in the NFC. Todd Bowles knows he has plenty of talent at his disposal, and he spoke highly of the work Jalen McMillan has done this offseason.

“Jalen’s tough. His mental toughness is unbelievable,” the head coach said. “His competitiveness, the way he attacks the ball, the way he fights for every route and wants to get open and be that guy, that gives you a lot of confidence.”

“How I played last season was okay, but it’s not the standard I set for myself,” Starks said, via the team’s website. “I know I can play at a higher level. There were plays I should’ve made and didn’t. This season, I’m expecting to make them.”

The arrival of Jesse Minter as the new head coach — someone who knows how to maximize defensive units — could be a major boost for the former Georgia Bulldogs football player. What is certain is that Starks wants to become a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and he has already sent his warning.

Starks’ numbers during his rookie season

Malaki Starks put together a seriously impressive rookie year in Baltimore, quickly locking things down as a vital piece of the Ravens’ secondary. The 2025 first-round pick didn’t look like a newcomer at all, starting 15 of the 17 games he played and logging a massive 1,065 defensive snaps.

He flew all over the field to rack up 84 total tackles (49 of them solo) while showcasing his ball-hawking instincts by snaring 2 interceptions and deflecting 4 passes. For a first-year safety tasked with adjusting to the speed of the NFL, his heavy workload and reliable production proved he’s already playing way ahead of his text-book experience.

Ravens have strong potential at safety

Although the bet on Malaki Starks remains the strongest one, the truth is that the Baltimore Ravens secondary is also well protected by names such as Kyle Hamilton and the recently acquired Jaylinn Hawkins.

“I think this defense is going to take advantage of everyone’s strengths,” Starks said. “Hawk is a great safety, I’m learning so much from him already. Kyle, we all know the things he can do and how he can line up in so many different places.”

“I’m not trying to hear ‘we rebuilding for two years,’” the running back said on The Set podcast with Terron Armstead. “I ain’t trying to do it. Most definitely, I want to win the division, we gotta win the playoff game. I ain’t even going to say we’re going be trying to win the championship, but we just got to get those things first.”

Achane recently made headlines in Miami after signing a four-year contract extension. During that span, he will look to bring this team back into the NFL elite and, why not, make another run at the Super Bowl.

Dolphins want to return to the top of the NFL

The Miami Dolphins haven’t tasted Super Bowl glory in a really long time, with their last championship coming all the way back on January 13, 1974, when they beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-7 in Super Bowl VIII. Since those legendary 1970s teams, the postseason has brought mostly heartbreak for Dolphins fans.

Their most recent playoff appearance ended in a rough defeat during the 2023 AFC Wild Card round, where they had to play in freezing weather at Arrowhead Stadium and dropped a 26-7 decision to the Kansas City Chiefs on January 13, 2024.

Achane will be the main weapon for Miami

As the Miami Dolphins transition into a completely new era, De’Von Achane is locked in to be the absolute focal point of the offense, serving as the ultimate security blanket on the ground for Malik Willis. With the passing game undergoing a massive identity shift under Willis—who will rely heavily on Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert as his primary weapons on the outside—Achane’s role becomes even more crucial.

While the defense focuses on containing those deep threats downfield, Achane’s elite vision and explosive rushing ability will carry the load, wearing down defensive fronts and setting the tempo to completely ease the pressure off his new quarterback’s shoulders.

In a recent conversation with the media, Clark was asked about when the discomfort began. She explained that there was no specific moment, but that she is starting to better understand her body, which has led her to make decisions such as slowing down in order to take care of herself.

“I don’t think it necessarily started at a certain point. I think it’s just been over the course of the last year when I’ve kind of been understanding my body more. I think before that it was always like ‘I’m fine, I’m fine, like, go play, go play, go play,’ and maybe sometimes I’m a little too hyper aware about certain things,” she said to James Boyd.

She also added: “But at the same time, that’s good, like I understand things, and just continuing to work through that, and yeah, I think it’s just finding the balance of like when I maybe don’t get to be as aware or when I’m going to be a little too over aware, so still working through that, I don’t think it’s anything of concern though.”

The Indiana Fever need their star healthy

Caitlin Clark’s highly anticipated 2025 WNBA campaign was cut incredibly short after she was limited to just 13 games due to a severe groin injury that ultimately sidelined her for the remainder of the year. Despite missing their star point guard, the Indiana Fever showed incredible grit and battled all the way to the 2025 WNBA Semifinals, where they pushed the Las Vegas Aces to the absolute limit before falling short in a tough 3-2 series.

For the Fever to finally break through that ceiling and make a genuine championship run, keeping Clark entirely healthy is the absolute number one priority, as her elite playmaking and gravity on the court are the definitive x-factors needed to get them past the semifinals.

Fever’s upcoming games

• at Golden State Valkyries, May 28th
• at Portland Fire, May 30th
• vs Atlanta Dream, June 4th
• at New York Liberty, June 6th
• at Washington Mystics, June 8th

“I mean, change can be good,” the running back said via The Athletic. “We’re all excited for everything. Everything is new, so we’re all just trying to learn, but also enjoying it, taking it day by day, not trying to get too overwhelmed, but just being present in the moment.”

Harbaugh left the Ravens Flock with a Super Bowl title under his belt as he heads to the NFC East. Now, Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and company will have to adapt to a new system, although the hope of remaining among the league’s top contenders is still very much alive.

What does Jesse Minter bring to Baltimore?

Jesse Minter’s return to Baltimore, replacing none other than Harbaugh, brings a highly respected, data-driven methodology that emphasizes aggressive versatility and elite game-planning. Having previously served on the Ravens’ defensive staff between 2017 and 2020 before implementing a top-tier defensive system with the Los Angeles Chargers, Minter relies on a teaching-heavy, collaborative working style that players absolutely love to play for.

Because he is a defensive-minded head coach, his arrival won’t directly alter the offensive play-calling mechanics, meaning he won’t be micro-managing the ground game to artificially boost Derrick Henry’s stats.

However, Minter’s signature ability to field a suffocating defense will inevitably hand the ball back to the offense with excellent field position, creating plenty of clock-killing opportunities that could indirectly keep King Henry’s rushing numbers sky-high.

Henry’s outstanding 2025 season the Ravens

Derrick Henry put up absolute monster numbers in 2025, racking up 1,595 rushing yards and crushing 16 touchdowns on 307 carries. To take things to the next level, the goal isn’t just about forcing a higher volume of touches, but heavily capitalizing on efficiency and capitalizing on ideal field position.

By letting the offense wear down tired defensive lines late in games, King Henry is in a prime position to break even longer runs, maximize his yards per carry, and easily shatter his previous regular-season benchmarks.

According to information provided by Argentine journalist Gaston Edul of TyC Sports through his X account, six players were added to the manager’s list for these matches: Nicolas Capaldo, Tomas Aranda, Joaquin Freitas, Santiago Beltran, Simon Escobar, and Ignacio Ovando.

Argentina’s 2026 World Cup roster will reportedly be revealed just before the deadline, with key players such as Messi leading the squad. The reigning world champions will set up their base camp in Kansas City for the tournament.

Argentina’s final warm-up matches before World Cup

Argentina are wrapping up their final preparations ahead of the upcoming World Cup with two warm-up friendlies scheduled in the United States. They will first test their form against Honduras on June 6 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, giving the coaching staff a prime opportunity to lock in tactical details.

Just three days later, on June 9, the reigning world champions will head to Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, to face Iceland—reviving memories of their tense group-stage battle back in 2018. These back-to-back matchups will serve as the ultimate dress rehearsal before the squad kicks off its official title defense.

Argentina will aim for back-to-back titles

As Lionel Messi and company prepare to defend the global crown won in Qatar, Argentina’s journey in Group J of the 2026 World Cup features a navigable path through North America. The reigning champions will kick off their title defense against Algeria on June 16 at Kansas City Stadium, before heading to Texas for back-to-back fixtures at AT&T Stadium.

There, La Albiceleste will face Austria on June 22, wrapping up the group stage on June 27 against tournament debutants Jordan. Entering the tournament with the gold badge on their chests, Argentina will look to blend the legendary veteran leadership that lifted the trophy in 2022 with a hungry new generation of players.

“I want to be on a team that I know is going to put all the effort in getting a championship sooner or later. I feel that way here,” the pitcher sad via Will Sammon.

The latest 7-2 loss against the Reds pushed the Mets even deeper into the bottom of the NL East standings. With a 22-32 record, their aspirations of securing a potential playoff spot are slowly fading away game after game.

Freddy Peralta’s performance so far

Freddy Peralta’s transition to the New York Mets for the 2026 season has given the rotation a highly reliable, battle-tested presence on the mound. Through his first 11 starts of the campaign, the right-hander has logged a 3-4 record alongside a solid 3.52 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP, racking up 63 strikeouts over 61.1 innings pitched.

Crucially, Peralta has managed to remain entirely healthy and free of physical setbacks, serving as a durable workhorse for the pitching staff. While the team navigates a challenging start to the year, his ability to avoid the injured list and consistently take the ball has provided the franchise with essential stability at the top of the rotation.

New York Mets’ last championship

The New York Mets have a history defined by dramatic highs and prolonged droughts, with their last World Series title dating back to their legendary 1986 championship run, famously sealed by that unforgettable Game 6 walk-off error.

As for the postseason, Queens got its latest taste of October baseball quite recently during their thrilling 2024 playoff appearance, where the team defied expectations as a Wild Card seed and fought their way all the way to the National League Championship Series.

“He’s gonna be 43 during this season,” Nick Wright said on First Things First. “I am very pessimistic about how he’s going to look at the end of this season.”

On December 2, Rodgers will turn 43 years old and, despite continuing to be a source of inspiration for Will Howard and his teammates, some still believe his level of play is in question when it comes to making his team true contenders.

Is age a limiting factor for Aaron Rodgers?

In 2025, Aaron Rodgers completely ignored the calendar and delivered a masterclass in efficiency, proving to be the absolute missing piece to carry the Pittsburgh Steelers right back into the playoffs. He kept his composure like the seasoned vet he is, racking up 3,322 passing yards and dropping 24 touchdowns while throwing just 7 interceptions.

Even though he wasn’t scrambling around like a rookie, his elite decision-making and precision completely neutralized any concerns about his age, making it crystal clear that his football IQ is sharper than ever.

Rodgers looked untouched in 2025

After the devastating Achilles injury that cut his New York Jets debut short just four snaps into the 2024 season, many wondered if Aaron Rodgers would ever look the same. Instead, his 2025 campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers was a masterclass in resilience, as he completely defied expectations by remaining entirely free of any major physical setbacks.

Aside from a minor, brief wrist issue, his body completely held up across 16 regular-season games. By avoiding the medical tent and protecting himself perfectly in the pocket, Rodgers completely silenced the critics who thought his 42-year-old frame would break down after such a brutal, career-altering injury.

There is a future beyond Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are already looking ahead, planning to groom both Will Howard and Drew Allar as the potential heirs to Aaron Rodgers’ throne. While Allar brings massive raw arm talent to the table, Howard’s adaptability could benefit the Steelers immensely as they transition into a new era, allowing the coaching staff to blend a versatile skill set with the invaluable mentorship of a future Hall of Famer.

“By now, Will Howard should be accustomed to learning a new playbook,” Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Gazette wrote. “After all, Mike McCarthy’s offense is his fourth in four years. He feels Howard is ‘wired’ for the task.”

While many may see a lack of consistency and regularity as a potential drawback, the truth is that Howard has shown adaptability over the past few years, adjusting to whatever situation he has faced, even learning his coordinators’ systems from scratch.

Howard’s recent experiences

Over the last four years, quarterback Will Howard has faced the massive challenge of learning four entirely different consecutive playbooks. His journey began in 2023 with the Kansas State Wildcats, mastering a gritty, run-heavy spread option system.

By 2024, he transferred to Ohio State, adapting to a high-octane, star-studded offense that culminated in a CFP National Championship with the Buckeyes. Upon entering the NFL in 2025, Howard had to absorb Mike Tomlin‘s established, defensive-minded Pittsburgh Steelers system as a rookie.

Now, in 2026, he is forced to adapt yet again as Mike McCarthy takes the reins in Pittsburgh, requiring Howard to quickly command a brand new West Coast-hybrid offensive playbook.

The perfect mentor in Pittsburgh

For young quarterback Will Howard, having Aaron Rodgers as a teammate in Pittsburgh represents the ultimate masterclass in NFL preparation. As Rodgers officially commands his final season in 2026, Howard finds himself in the enviable position of learning directly from a four-time MVP and master of the position.

This two-year window alongside A-Rod provides Howard with invaluable daily exposure to Rodgers’ elite pre-snap processing, footwork, and veteran leadership. With the franchise likely turning to Howard as their future quarterback, this ideal mentorship setup ensures that when Rodgers finally steps away after the 2026 season, the Steelers’ next-in-line will be fully prepared to inherit the throne.

“Francisco Lindor has started running and doing baseball activities,” the manager revealed to the press. He also said that A. J. Minter might be activated off the injured list tomorrow or Wednesday.

The outlook surrounding Polanco is also optimistic: “Jorge Polanco is going through a full workout today and will hopefully begin a rehab assignment at some point this week.”

Carlos Mendoza had high praise for Francisco Alvarez. “Alvarez? I mean this guy is unbelievable. He’s already hitting, doing catching. Like, we were talking about 8 weeks…I’m not sure about that now. You know this guy’s built differently.“

Lastly, it was time to address the situation surrounding Kodai Senga, confirming that he was seen throwing a bullpen session and that the goal is for him to make a rehab start on Thursday.

Injuries, the Mets’ Achilles’ heel

The 2026 MLB season has been incredibly tough on the New York Mets, with a devastating wave of injuries severely derailing the team’s momentum. The roster has faced critical blows, most notably losing star shortstop Francisco Lindor to a left calf strain after he already pushed through the lingering effects of a spring training hamate bone fracture.

To make matters worse, the offense lost major firepower when young catcher Francisco Alvarez suffered a torn right meniscus, while veteran infielder Jorge Polanco has been sidelined for an extended period dealing with a right wrist contusion and persistent Achilles bursitis.

These collective absences have heavily compromised the Mets’ depth, creating a massive void in both defensive stability and offensive production. Without their key foundational pieces in the lineup, the team has noticeably struggled to find consistency, causing them to slide down the standings as they scramble for answers.

“I think it’s really, really cool to, one, be in the room with Matthew, who has done it at a high level for so long, and then see it from a wide receiver standpoint with Davante and Puka,” Simpson said at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere.

“And Davante especially, because of him being similar to Matthew, but I think both of those guys are two guys who are one of the greatest at their positions. The fact that I can watch both of them at the same time on my team, it’s a big advantage for me.”

Stafford will enter the 2026 NFL season at 38 years old. While age is often just a number, many see Ty Simpson as the Rams’ quarterback of the future moving forward. He will need to learn as much as possible so that when his moment arrives, he will be ready for the challenge.

Simpson has everything needed to succeed in the NFL

In his final season at Alabama, Ty Simpson delivered an impressive campaign as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback, showcasing his readiness for the professional level. He started all 15 games, completing 305 of 473 passes (a 64.5% completion percentage) for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions, while adding two rushing scores on the ground.

Simpson possesses the ideal traits to succeed as an NFL quarterback, blending elite pocket poise with outstanding decision-making. Operating efficiently within a pro-style system, he excelled particularly in play-action schemes and intermediate throws, showing a natural ability to progress through his targets and deliver under pressure.

Furthermore, his exceptional ball security—highlighted by a minuscule 1.1% interception rate—along with his smart pocket mobility, gives him the foundational skill set required to effectively command a modern NFL offense.

Rams’ OTAs are a major test for Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams will hold OTAs from May 27-29 and June 2-5 before beginning training camp later in the summer, giving Ty Simpson the opportunity not only to observe firsthand the leadership and preparation habits of Matthew Stafford, but also to begin taking some snaps alongside stars like Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.

“He’s doing well, he arrived in great shape. He has trained a lot and had a minor issue that kept him out of a couple of training sessions, but he’s fine. He’s in good condition,” Lorenzo said of James on Monday.

Rafael Santos Borre is perhaps one of the most notable absences heading into what lies ahead. Regarding those who will not be present, Lorenzo stated that this is a time when decision-making becomes more complicated than usual.

“All decisions are difficult. There are players performing at a similar level, considering the form they are in, and we try to make the best decision possible.”

The 26 players called up to represent Colombia

With James Rodriguez as one of the team’s biggest leaders, these are the 26 players that Argentine coach Nestor Lorenzo selected to represent Colombia at the 2026 World Cup.

Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas, Alvaro Montero, David Ospina

Defenders: Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Yerry Mina, Willer Ditta, Daniel Munoz, Santiago Arias, Johan Mojica, Deiver Machado.

Midfielders: Richard Rios, Jefferson Lerma, Kevin Castano, Juan Portilla, Gustavo Puerta, Jhon Arias, Jorge Carrascal, Juan Fernando Quintero, James Rodriguez, Jaminton Campaz.

Strikers: Juan Camilo Hernandez, Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez, Jhon Cordoba, Carlos Andres Gomez Hinestroza.

Colombia’s schedule at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Colombia will compete in Group K of the 2026 World Cup, starting their campaign on Wednesday, June 17, against Uzbekistan at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

For their second fixture on Tuesday, June 23, Nestor Lorenzo’s squad will face DR Congo at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico. Finally, Los Cafeteros will wrap up the group stage with a highly anticipated clash against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on Saturday, June 27, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

“For all that we talk about Deshun Watson, what he hadn’t been, what he was was pretty special,” the former ProBowler said on ESPN’s Get Up. “Three-time Pro Bowler. At one point, people were making the argument, ‘Would he be better on Kansas City than Patrick Mahomes?’

“I know that’s laughable now, but the kid is only 30 years old. You can’t tell me that somebody’s career and football life is over at 30 when you talk about quarterbacks playing to 40.”

His serious injuries and off-the-field issues could be reasons why Watson may no longer be the player he once was. However, there are plenty of examples of players over 30 continuing to perform at an elite level, and in the Dawg Pound they believe he could become one of those cases.

Watson or Sanders: Monken’s biggest question mark

The quarterback battle for the Cleveland Browns leaves Head Coach Todd Monken with a complex dilemma heading into Week 1. On one hand, Shedeur Sanders is coming off an intriguing 2025 NFL season where he appeared in 8 games (7 starts), throwing for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, resulting in a low passer rating of 68.1 and an 18.9 QBR while dealing with heavy defensive pressure.

On the other hand, Deshaun Watson brings veteran experience to the table, having recorded 1,148 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in his 7 appearances before his season ending injury.

Monken will have to weigh whether to prioritize Sanders’ long-term development and high ceiling despite his rookie struggles, or opt for the stability of a healthy Watson to command the offense from the very first snap.

“Unlike the Patriots and the other teams on this list, the Las Vegas Raiders aren’t expected to be chasing the postseason in 2026,” Bleacher Report‘s insider wrote. “However, trading for Brown would still be logical for a couple of reasons.

“For one, Las Vegas will spend the next few seasons developing rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. While the Raiders have put some nice pieces in place for Mendoza, including Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers, and Tyler Linderbaum, they lack a No. 1 receiver.”

There is significant excitement in Las Vegas surrounding Mendoza and the vision of him becoming the franchise quarterback. Brown’s experience could provide the young QB with a lethal weapon, although his future destination remains uncertain for now.

How much could Brown help Fernando Mendoza?

The potential addition of AJ Brown would be a monumental boost for Fernando Mendoza’s transition and long-term development in the NFL. Coming off a spectacular 2025 college season where he dominated the national stage with 3,535 passing yards, a stunning 41 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions, Mendoza has proven he possesses the elite accuracy and decision-making required for the next level.

However, the Raiders’ current wide receiver room severely lacks proven star power and extensive starting experience, leaning heavily on young targets like Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, and Jalen Nailor. Aside from the reliable presence of tight end Brock Bowers, this receiving corps desperately needs a true, battle-tested alpha target who can consistently beat press coverage and command double teams.

Integrating an elite, physical wideout like AJ Brown would completely transform the offense, providing Mendoza with a premier safety valve on contested catches and a game-breaking deep threat to perfectly complement his collegiate efficiency.

Raiders’ 2026 receiving corps

Even with uncertainty surrounding who will be the QB1 starting in Week 1, Klint Kubiak currently has both Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza as his two primary signal-callers. Through the air, these are the names they will have at their disposal heading into the 2026 season to challenge opposing defenses.

“Messi would be dealing with muscle fatigue,” he revealed during a recent edition of ESPN’s SportsCenter. Evidently as a preventive measure and out of caution, the No. 10 decided not to take any risks, and his availability against Honduras and Finland does not appear to be in doubt.

With less than a month remaining until the 2026 World Cup, and most likely being part of Argentina’s roster, Messi knows his body better than anyone and wants to arrive at the next competition in the best possible condition alongside his teammates.

A flurry of goals in Messi’s final official match before the World Cup

In a spectacular offensive display, Inter Miami secured a thrilling 6-4 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Union at Nu Stadium, highlighted by an unprecedented 4-4 scoreline in the first half alone. Luis Suarez led the charge with a clinical hat-trick, supported by a brace from German Berterame and a late goal by Rodrigo De Paul.

Lionel Messi orchestrated much of Inter Miami’s attack during his 73 minutes on the pitch, proving vital to securing the victory. Despite recording just one shot, his vision was key as he delivered two precise assists for Berterame’s goals, while also completing 21 of his 28 total passes and drawing two fouls.

What’s next for Lionel Messi and Argentina?

Ahead of their title defense at the 2026 World Cup, Argentina will play two warm-up friendly matches in the United States. The reigning world champions will first face Honduras on Saturday, June 6, at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.

Just three days later, on Tuesday, June 9, Lionel Scaloni’s squad will wrap up their preparations against Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, before heading to their official tournament opener against Algeria.

Argentina’s schedule at the 2026 World Cup

• vs Algeria, June 16th (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City)
• vs Austria, June 22nd (AT&T Stadium, Dallas)
• vs Jordan, June 27th (AT&T Stadium, Dallas)

“With A.J. Brown pretty much out the door, Hollywood Brown was brought in to give the Eagles some much-needed speed,” the insider Anthony Miller revealed on Inside the Iggles’.

“Since Hollywood was signed, though, Philly also added Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, and Elijah Moore, adding more pressure on Brown to perform well and might end up being a backup. If Brown can show the Eagles he still has it at OTAs, it might give him a better chance to start from Day 1.”

The Philadelphia Eagles quickly want to return to the spotlight after failing to achieve their goal of reaching the last Super Bowl. While awaiting a resolution regarding what will happen with A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts will have several weapons at his disposal in 2026 to hurt opponents through the air.

How much could Brown contribute to the Eagles?

Marquise Brown’s tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs was highlighted by his championship presence, winning Super Bowl LIX with the team despite an early-season injury setback. After recovering, his role expanded significantly, and he wrapped up the 2025 season with 49 receptions for 587 yards and 5 touchdowns.

His elite, field-stretching speed remains his ultimate weapon, acting as the absolute key to blowing off the top of opposing secondaries, creating massive deep-threat opportunities, and opening up the entire field for the offense.

Jalen Hurts will have several aerial weapons with the Eagles

While A.J. Brown’s situation has not yet been resolved, his stay in Philadelphia Eagles appears to have its days numbered. That is why Jalen Hurts will now have to rely more than ever on players such as DeVonta Smith and recently drafted Makai Lemon.

“He signed the franchise tag, $27 million. Hasn’t really been a fixture in the building, kind of stayed away a little bit but I’m told he has worked with Dak Prescott this offseason offsite,” the insider said on ESPN’s Sportscenter.

“Loves being a Cowboy, loves a long-term deal more. They weren’t able to get one, but they’re hopeful down the road they can work it out. But I don’t expect a holdout at this point, should be locked in for the Cowboys in 2026.”

What is Pickens’ current contract situation?

George Pickens officially signed his $27.3 million non-exclusive franchise tag with the Dallas Cowboys, securing his roster spot for the 2026 season. This intriguing deal ensures Dallas retains its star wide receiver while both sides continue working toward a long-term contract extension before the mid-July deadline.

By signing the tag early, Pickens avoids any offseason holdout, fully committing to the team’s upcoming program and keeping Dak Prescott’s top deep threat locked in for another championship run.

The numbers tempting the Cowboys into a long-term deal

George Pickens absolute breakout in 2025—hauling in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns—proved he has become Dak Prescott’s most explosive and reliable top target in Dallas. Averaging a stellar 15.4 yards per catch and earning his first Pro Bowl selection, Pickens established himself as an elite, week-winning weapon who can carry the passing offense.

These numbers provide more than enough leverage for both sides to move past the temporary franchise tag and secure a massive, long-term deal.

A fearsome receiving corps for Dallas

While Pickens has emerged as one of the main offensive leaders of this team, the truth is that America’s Team have more than enough reasons to be dangerous. CeeDee Lamb, Ryan Flournoy, and recently arrived Marquez Valdes-Scantling are some of the names Dak Prescott can rely on through the air.

“Locker Room is fine,” the offensive tackle stated on X while responding to Ben Volin. Not only that, but Eluemunor also suggested that the reporter focuses on what is happening with other teams instead: “Focus on New England.”

Both Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter will play their second season with the G-Men. It is clear that, after their rookie season, this franchise needs these two players to be in sync in order to be a team to fear in the NFC East.

Many believe that achieving positive results in sports requires not only talent, but also harmony among the people involved. For now, everything seems to remain calm in East Rutherford during these preparation stages.

Dart’s maturity could be key for the Giants

As they head into the upcoming season, the Giants rely on Jaxson Dart’s maturity to elevate the offense and spark a true franchise turnaround. Entering his second year in the league, the young quarterback has a solid foundation to build upon after a highly promising rookie campaign where he threw for 3,450 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while adding another 410 yards and 4 scores on the ground.

With a full year of NFL experience under his belt, Dart‘s growth into a poised, commanding leader will be the absolute X-factor in determining how far New York can go.

Abdul Carter wants to continue building his leadership role

Heading into his second year, Abdul Carter is fully focused on cementing his defensive leadership role with the New York Giants. After a highly productive PFWA All-Rookie campaign where he racked up 43 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries—alongside a stunning, rookie-leading 72 quarterback pressures—the dynamic pass rusher has the perfect foundation to build upon.

Flanked by an elite supporting cast featuring Tremaine Edmunds, Arvell Reese, and Brian Burns, Carter is primed to take an immense leap as both a vocal presence and an unstoppable force on the gridiron.

After 46 matches in the most recent Championship season, Coventry City were crowned champions after finishing first in the standings. Frank Lampard’s side ended the campaign with 95 points, 11 points more than its closest challenger. It was precisely Ipswich Town who finished in second place. Kieran McKenna and his players enjoyed an exceptional campaign, earning a return to the Premier League after 25 years.

In this way, these will be the 20 teams competing next season in the top flight of English league:

• Arsenal
• Manchester City
• Manchester United
• Aston Villa
• Liverpool
• Bournemouth
• Sunderland
• Brighton
• Brentford
• Chelsea
• Fulham
• Newcastle United
• Everton
• Leeds
• Crystal Palace
• Nottingham Forest
• Tottenham Hotspur
• Coventry City
• Ipswich Town
• Hull City

Hull City claim final spot in the 2026-27 Premier League

Hull City secured their return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence by defeating Middlesbrough 1-0 in a dramatic Championship play-off final at Wembley. The match was settled in the 95th minute when striker Olli McBurnie scored the decisive, last-gasp goal to seal the final promotion spot.

The teams joining West Ham in the EFL

Following West Ham’s relegation, Burnley and Wolverhampton also saw their fate sealed as the 2025-26 Premier League season reached its climax in May 2026.

For Burnley, this situation marks a quick exit after struggling to stay afloat, suffering their previous drop just two seasons prior in 2024. Wolverhampton, on the other hand, ends a much longer top-flight stay, experiencing relegation for the first time since their lengthy stint away began back in 2012.

Five teams qualified for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League

Following a thrilling season, England’s top five tickets to Europe’s elite competition have been locked in, with league champions Arsenal and runners-up Manchester City leading the charge.

Joining them in next season’s Champions League are a resurgent Manchester United in third, alongside a relentless Aston Villa and Liverpool wrapping up the final two dynamic spots.

“It’s entirely possible that the deal is unofficially done. Trade terms agreed to, and both teams keeping their mouths shut until Brown passes a physical and both teams communicate the terms of the transaction to the league office,” Florio wrote. “The Maxx Crosby fiasco from March was a lesson to all teams about not letting the cart get in front of the horse. Say nothing until the deal is official.”

What is the reporter referring to when he talks about what happened with Maxx Crosby? The edge rusher had everything agreed upon with the Baltimore Ravens, although his move ultimately fell through at the last moment precisely because of a physical issue.

When could A.J. Brown arrive in New England?

A potential trade sending wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots hinges entirely on the June 1st date due to the structure of his current contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. If the Eagles were to move Brown before June 1st, they would be forced to absorb a massive dead cap hit of $43.44 million all at once.

However, by delaying the execution of the trade until June 1st or later, Philadelphia can spread the dead money over two seasons, reducing this year’s cap penalty to just $16.35 million. This post-June 1st designation saves the Eagles over $27 million in immediate salary cap space for the 2026 NFL season, clearing the financial hurdle required for the Patriots to finally acquire the star playmaker.

Patriots need A.J. Brown in their WR room

A.J. Brown is exactly the kind of alpha wideout Drake Maye needs to completely forget about Stefon Diggs. We’re talking about a physical freak who just put up 78 receptions, 1,003 yards, and 7 touchdowns in 2025 with the Eagles, consistently proving he can bully cornerbacks and turn simple slants into house calls.

While Diggs brought route-running finesse, Brown brings pure power and elite yards-after-catch ability to Foxborough. Pairing him up with Romeo Doubs out wide creates a brutal pick your poison dilemma for opposing secondaries—giving Maye a dynamic, high-upside aerial duo capable of elevating this Patriots offense to a whole new level.

Wolverhampton and Burnley have already been relegated to the second division, and the team joining them will be either the Hammers or the Spurs. Heading into Matchday 38, however, Roberto De Zerbi’s team remains outside the relegation zone.

The 2010-11 season was the last time the Premier League saw this historic club relegated. West Ham quickly earned promotion back to the top flight in 2012 and have since established themselves among England’s elite, a place the club hopes to maintain next season.

What happens if West Ham beat Leeds United today?

If West Ham defeat Leeds United, they reach 39 points. If Tottenham draw against Everton, both teams would finish with the same number of points, but goal difference would favor Roberto De Zerbi’s side. Heading into the final matchday, Spurs sit at -10, while West Ham have a -22 goal difference.

That said, if West Ham win and Everton defeat Tottenham, the Hammers will avoid relegation. The scenario will be completely different if Spurs win, as a Tottenham victory will send West Ham to the second tier of English soccer.

What happens if West Ham and Leeds United tie?

If West Ham and Leeds United tie, the Hammers will be relegated regardless of what happens with Tottenham against Everton today. With 37 points, West Ham will finish behind Spurs and therefore drop to the second division.

What happens if West Ham lose to Leeds United?

If West Ham lose at home to Leeds United, the outcome would be the same as with a draw: relegation to the Championship for the 2026-27 season.

Bottom of the Premier League table ahead of Matchday 38

“Me & JD6 are good! We spoke earlier as Men. Yall can keep yall narratives,” Carter stated on his X account. Evidently, dialogue prevailed over other things, and everything would remain on good terms.

The Giants, led by John Harbaugh, are in the middle of their OTA process, and many perhaps foresaw that this type of incident could create a bad atmosphere within the locker room. Abdul Carter would seem to have no problem with Dart from now on.

Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart aim to make a statement with the Giants

Heading into their sophomore seasons, quarterback Jaxson Dart and edge rusher Abdul Carter are locked in as the foundational pillars tasked with turning around the New York Giants after a tough 4-13 finish in 2025.

On offense, Dart showed immense dual-threat promise during his rookie campaign, throwing for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions over 14 games, while also flashing his dangerous mobility by rushing for 487 yards and another 9 scores.

On the other side of the ball, Carter immediately established himself as a dominant presence off the edge, wrecking opposing pocket protections to the tune of 66 total pressures, 5 sacks, 27 solo tackles, and 2 forced fumbles. With a full year of professional experience under their belts, this dynamic second-year duo possesses the elite raw talent necessary to fuel a serious franchise resurgence.

Dart and Carter must lead the newcomers

Now in their second year, Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter must step up to guide a promising new rookie class, including incoming talents like Arvell Reese and Sisi Mauigoa. Having already weathered their own transition to the pro level, Dart and Carter’s leadership will be absolutely vital in helping these first-year players adapt quickly and spark a franchise turnaround.

The situation regarding his knee health still remains uncertain. Although reports out of East Rutherford suggest confidence in seeing the WR available for Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, the coach remains cautious and expectant about the situation.

“I’m told [Nabers] has been a fixture in the building. He’s been trying to rehab that thing. The Giants don’t quite know yet whether he’s going to be ready for training camp or when,” the insider Jeremy Fowler reported Saturday on ESPN.

“The hope is still Week 1, but that is not a guarantee. John Harbaugh, the head coach, said this week that it’s just a tricky injury because he had that second surgery, dealing with some of that scar tissue, cleaning that up, and so they like where he is trending, but it’s just one of those situations where they don’t know when he’s going to get on the field.”

A before and after for Malik Nabers

Malik Nabers suffered a season-ending torn ACL and meniscus during a Week 4 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers last 2025 season, after landing awkwardly during a deep-pass attempt in the second quarter. Following an initial surgery in late October, Nabers underwent a second minor “clean-up” procedure early this offseason to remove scar tissue that was causing stiffness in his right knee.

He is currently working hard every day in the facility through the “grind” of his rehabilitation, and while the Giants remain hopeful that he can return in time for training camp or the Week 1 opener against the Dallas Cowboys, his exact recovery timeline remains uncertain.

Different options for John Harbaugh in the WR room

It is well known everything Malik Nabers can bring to the New York Giants offense, and how much Jaxson Dart’s numbers could be affected without him on the field. The good news for John Harbaugh and the rest of the Giants is that they still have several high-level options capable of breaking down opposing defenses through the air.

Early challenges for New York

• Week 1, vs Dallas Cowboys (SNF)
• Week 2, at Los Angeles Rams (MNF)
• Week 3, vs Tennessee Titans
• Week 4, vs Arizona Cardinals
• Week 5, at Washington Commanders

That said, much is expected from what the new quarterback can deliver for this team. However, coach Hafley made his primary plans for Willis clear to the press.

“My main focus for him right now is to learn the scheme, get to know the players and not overdo the whole leadership thing,” the head coach said recently, via Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN. “I mean, I think that’s my job and [the coaches’] job right now, so he can focus on becoming the best quarterback and the best player and the best teammate he can be.”

Willis knows what he has to offer, though he also laments not having all of his weapons at his disposal, such as Jaylen Waddle, who left for the Denver Broncos. The former Packers standout envisions a symbiotic relationship with his coach to achieve great results.

“It’s about building trust,” Willis said. “I mean, every play we go out there, whether it’s calling the play, whether it’s executing the play, whether it’s making sure somebody else can get lined up, you build that over time. I don’t think you just put somebody in a position to say, ‘OK, you’re the leader now.’ You got to earn that.”

Hafley and Willis bring prior Green Bay connection to new team

The existing chemistry between Jeff Hafley and Malik Willis from their time together in Green Bay could be a massive shortcut for South Florida’s success. Having already shared a locker room with the Packers, the head coach and quarterback enter this new chapter with a built-in mutual trust and a shared football vocabulary.

This established connection is expected to streamline the offensive installation, allowing Willis to command the system with confidence from day one while helping Hafley quickly instill his culture across the entire roster.

Early challenges await Miami

Miami faces a brutal gauntlet to open the regular season, kicking off with three consecutive matchups against powerhouse opponents. The Dolphins hit the road for back-to-back high-stakes away games, traveling to face the Raiders on September 13th before flying out to the West Coast for a grueling clash against the 49ers on September 20th.

The team finally returns home on September 27th, but there will be no breathing room as they host the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in a high-profile showdown that will serve as an early litmus test for their postseason aspirations.

“Nassrawis… what a season. From day one, we knew what we wanted and what it would take to get there. We worked, fought and gave everything in every training and every game. It wasn’t an easy road, but we did it together. Thank you for believing in us and standing by our side every step of the way,” CR7 stated via X.

After scoring a brace in the 4-1 victory, Cristiano Ronaldo lifted another trophy in his career ahead of the World Cup. The legendary forward’s trophy cabinet continues to grow, and there is still time for even more achievements.

Cristiano Ronaldo chasing the 1,000-goal mark

Cristiano Ronaldo showed no signs of slowing down in the Saudi Pro League, clinical as ever as he netted twice against Damac FC to take his tally to an incredible 28 goals this season. The historic night also pushed him closer to the mythical milestone of four digits, leaving Ronaldo in tears after hitting a brace to reach his No. 973 career goals.

With the elusive 1,000-goal mark looming larger than ever, the Portuguese icon’s emotional reaction proved that despite everything he has won, every single milestone on this relentless march to history still means the absolute world to him.

What’s next for CR7?

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to captain Portugal in the upcoming 2026 World Cup before returning to Al Nassr to fulfill his current contract, which runs through June 2027.

Having signed a lucrative two-year extension last summer that anchors him as the world’s highest-paid athlete, the 41-year-old icon remains fully committed to the Saudi project, with no signs of slowing down after securing his first Saudi Pro League title.

In fact, this is one of the biggest areas Dart himself must improve moving forward. A new coaching staff could perhaps be the key to helping him avoid concussions and stop putting his body at avoidable danger in order to stay healthy for as long as possible.

“That was, like, one of our first meetings with Coach (Brian) Callahan just pulling up my tape and just going over situationally, like, is it worth the risk here in this situation,” Dart said to the press recently. “And that’s what we talk about a ton is situationally just being smart.

“Coach G-Ro (senior offensive assistant Greg Roman) talked about it today. It’s important for the quarterback to make sure how he’s feeling one play that he’s going to feel that same way the next play. And at the same time, just having the experience last year of sitting out two games, I hadn’t done that in my career. So, I just hated that time of not being out there with my teammates.”

Dart wants to protect himself without changing his playing style

When the Giants selected Jaxson Dart in the 2025 NFL Draft, the G-Men knew exactly what kind of player they were getting. That was never going to change, even at the NFL level. However, he will have to adapt quickly in order to stay healthy, while still maintaining the competitiveness that has always defined him.

“I mean my competitiveness isn’t going to change at all,” the quarterback said. “I think, just like I said, it just goes into situationally. Just what times it’s worth it and what times it’s not. And just making those mature decisions.”

The hard hits could not only become a major problem for Dart’s health, but also for the aspirations of the New York Giants, who are aiming to return to the top tier of the NFL as soon as possible.

The Giants’ QB will be well protected

To make sure Jaxson Dart doesn’t take another beating this season, the Giants‘ front office completely overhauled the trenches. Protecting his blindside is still elite left tackle Andrew Thomas, but Big Blue brought in massive reinforcements to beef up the interior and the right side.

The biggest addition is rookie first-round pick Francis Mauigoa (selected 10th overall after the massive Dexter Lawrence trade), who is expected to anchor a side of the line alongside newly signed veteran guard Daniel Faalele and versatile blocker Aaron Stinnie.

With Jermaine Eluemunor also returning to provide veteran stability and depth, the G-Men are fielding a much heavier, meaner unit designed to keep Dart upright, clean up those costly pre-snap penalties, and give him the pocket security he desperately needs to elevate his game in Year 2.

“I think when you just get into the league, there’s a little bit more resources that you have when it comes to a nutrition standpoint, building out a plan. Had a really good offseason. And I was happy to make it through this past season healthy,” he said to the press. “So being able to continue to make those strides, those growths, and make plans in place of where I wanted to get better at, especially with just my health and nutrition.”

Gaining too much muscle mass can be either beneficial or detrimental to Dart’s style of play. However, the former Ole Miss Rebels football quarterback admitted that he is still far from reaching that kind of build.

“No, I’m not close to that. I’m not like Tim Tebow. I’m not like that. I’m probably the most mobile I’ve been in my career right now. Just my hips and the disassociation from my upper to lower body, being able to make throws. I think my body is in the best shape it’s been.”

Dart must learn to take care of his body

Jaxson Dart‘s relentless, physical brand of football—defined by his willingness to initiate contact and scramble for extra yards—took a heavy toll on his body, resulting in multiple concussions that raised serious durability concerns. Heading into his second season as a starter, the primary expectation is that Dart has learned from those grueling setbacks and will prioritize his long-term health.

While his competitive edge is what makes him special, coaches and analysts expect him to play smarter this year, relying more on sliding, throwing the ball away, and avoiding unnecessary hits to ensure he stays on the field.

Jaxson Dart’s numbers in his rookie season

Jaxson Dart, recently slammed by Abdul Carter, absolutely delivered for the G-Men once he took over the starting job in week 4. In 14 games (12 starts), the rookie looked incredibly sharp and composed, throwing for 2,272 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and protecting the rock big time with only 5 interceptions for a solid 91.7 passer rating.

But what really set Big Blue’s offense on fire was his dual-threat ability; he tucked it and ran for 487 rushing yards and punched in 9 rushing touchdowns—setting a franchise record for a Giants quarterback and showing he’s got all the tools to be the future in New York.

“I think, at the end of the day, it’s me and my confidence. Obviously, I have a great team around me. It’s not only me… Coming back from injury and having three soft tissue injuries is a real mental challenge,” Clark said via Tony East.

Evidently, the back soreness seems like a thing of the past. Caitlin Clark played against the Golden State Valkyries and was one of the standout performers in helping the Indiana Fever secure an important victory as they continue climbing the Eastern Conference standings.

Caitlin Clark looking to avoid another 2025

After a frustrating 2025 where a persistent groin injury limited her to just 13 games, Caitlin Clark is prioritizing her health above all else. Having already appeared in 3 games this 2026 WNBA season, she is determined not to repeat that grueling cycle of setbacks.

Clark is focused on managing her physical workload and rebuilding her body’s confidence, making it clear that she is pacing herself to ensure a fully healthy, sustainable, and impact-driven run this year.

Clark shines against the Valkyries

Last night, Caitlin Clark delivered a stellar performance to lead the Indiana Fever to a 90-82 victory over the expansion Golden State Valkyries. Playing 32 minutes, Clark anchored the Fever‘s offense with 22 points and 9 assists, showcasing her signature long-range shooting by draining 4-of-9 from beyond the arc.

Despite grappling with 6 turnovers and picking up a Flagrant 1 foul late in the fourth quarter, her elite playmaking and clutch free-throw shooting (4-of-5 FT) proved decisive in securing Indiana’s third consecutive win.

“Looking at last year and the success they had under one year with Karl [Smesko],” Reese said to reporters before the game vs Dallas Wings. “I watched Karl when he was with FGCU, and when I was at Maryland, I played against him. I was just seeing how the player development was and how he developed Naz [Hillmon] in one year, and how I wanted that.

“Just being able to find somewhere that fits with me. I knew off the court this was going to be the place for me. On the court I wanted to do something to help a team get to the championship because I’ve won at every level, and I want to win a WNBA championship no matter what it looks like for me.”

With only a handful of games played in the 2026 WNBA season, the Atlanta Dream currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings. Although there is still a long way to go, the truth is that Reese seems to have found an environment where she can fully unlock her potential and, why not, dream of winning a championship.

Reese emerges as a cornerstone for Atlanta

In her first stretch with the Atlanta Dream during the 2026 season, Angel Reese has quickly made her presence felt in the frontcourt. Over her first four games, she is averaging 11.8 rebounds and 11.5 points per game, highlighted by a dominant 15-point, 9-rebound performance in a decisive 86-69 victory against the Dallas Wings.

While adjusting to her new offensive role has come with a few bumps—including some high-turnover games against physical defenses—her elite rim protection and unmatched tenacity on the offensive glass have anchoring Atlanta to an impressive start, positioning the Dream as a legitimate threat in the early WNBA standings.

The Dream know Reese’s importance

Many times, great players only need a handful of games to showcase all their talent. Angel Reese is one of them, and her teammates on the Atlanta Dream have made it clear just how crucial her presence will be throughout the season.

“We’re gonna continue to let her know that we need her at every possession,” Rhyne Howard said. “I’ve been in her ear a lot about just staying composed because I know I’m gonna need her in the long run. So just making sure that she knows that and making sure that she knows her values to this team. I think it’s going to be super, super key to our success in the future.”

What’s next for the Dream?

• vs Phoenix Mercury, May 24th
• at Minnesota Lynx, May 27th
• at Portland Fire, May 29th
• vs Connecticut Sun, June 2nd

The team coached by Karl Smesko has recorded three wins and just one loss so far this season, and is slowly looking to establish itself among the teams that will be fighting for the championship until the very end.

“We’ve definitely got four that we love, I can say that,” the head coach said to the press. “You always have to develop the room. That’s always been the approach. We’re hoping that (general manager) Omar (Khan) can get the roster expanded to 55 and we can keep four. It’s a really good room. This is a good place to be, having four guys that can play.”

Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph represent the veteran presence. Will Howard and Drew Allar might be the future. It is no coincidence that all four are together this season: Steel City is going all in with A-Rod while also keeping their eyes on what could happen beyond 2027.

Mike McCarthy wants to develop the youngest talent

Aaron Rodgers’ return somehow benefits Will Howard as well as Drew Allar. With Mason Rudolph also on the roster, Mike McCarthy aims to fully develop and maximize the talent of his two young players at the position.

“Mason has a lot of experience,” the Steelers head coach said. “We’re trying to develop Will and Drew as well as we can. Will is ahead of Drew, just based on the fact that he’s been here.” Howard enters his second year in the NFL after not playing a single snap during his rookie season. Drew Allar, meanwhile, is taking his first steps in the league and will need to absorb as much information as possible to get up to speed.

Steelers have a HC who knows how to work with quarterbacks

Throughout his coaching career, Mike McCarthy has built a stellar reputation as a true quarterback guru with a proven track record of maximizing passing talent. This pedigree was solidified during his defining tenure with the Green Bay Packers, where he took over a young, raw Aaron Rodgers and meticulously developed him into a mechanical masterpiece and a future four-time MVP.

McCarthy’s quarterback-friendly system and strict developmental protocols have consistently elevated signal-callers, helping them master pre-snap reads, refine their footwork, and play with high-level efficiency. It is exactly this history of elite mentorship that makes his current role so intriguing as he looks to work his magic once again on a new generation of quarterbacks.

Pittsburgh already looking ahead to the 2026 season

Returning to another Super Bowl is the number one ambition in Steel City. These will be the first matchups of the upcoming season that they will have to face:

• Week 1, vs Atlanta Falcons
• Week 2, at New England Patriots
• Week 3, vs Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 4, at Cleveland Browns
• Week 5, vs Indianapolis Colts

First, CR7 connected on a precise free kick that managed to beat the visiting side’s defense. With many players in the middle, the goalkeeper could not track the ball’s direction and was unable to stop it.

Later, with just a handful of minutes left in the match, the Portuguese forward finished clinically inside the box, scoring his brace and making it 4–1 in the game.

Previously, Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman had given Al Nassr a 2–0 lead. The match regained excitement after Damac FC managed to pull one back through a penalty kick.

Jorge Jesus’ squad claimed a title that has eluded the club for quite some time. In this way, Cristiano Ronaldo finally could celebrate his first official championship since arriving in the Saudi Pro League, and added a new title to his career, putting him neck and neck with Lionel Messi.

Cristiano Ronaldo among the top scorers rankings

Cristiano Ronaldo wrapped up another prolific campaign by reaching his 28th goal of the Saudi Pro League season, securing third place in the Golden Boot race. In a highly competitive year that pushed the league’s top strikers to historic numbers, Ronaldo’s clinical finishing wasn’t quite enough to catch the two frontrunners ahead of him.

After 34 intense fixtures, Al-Qadsiah’s Julian Quiñones claimed the top spot with an incredible 33 goals, closely followed by Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney, who finished just a step behind at 32.

This announcement would come almost at the last minute, as all 48 squads must be submitted before the deadline, which is May 30th. The decision by the manager and his staff is due to the need to assess, until the very last moment, certain injuries affecting specific players.

For now, Lionel Messi knows that some of his teammates from the Qatar 2022 World Cup will not be included, while many others will still be aiming to defend the title. He will have to wait a few more days to finally learn who will accompany him on this mission.

Doubts facing Scaloni’s Argentina for the 2026 World Cup

With the deadline fast approaching for Lionel Scaloni to lock in Argentina’s final 26-man World Cup roster, the coaching staff is facing a tense race against time to evaluate a crucial group of compromised players.

In defense, the right-back position is a major headache: Nahuel Molina is recovering from a recent muscle tear suffered with Atletico Madrid, while his natural replacement, Gonzalo Montiel, is also battling a muscle injury sustained with River Plate, leaving both short on match fitness.

Meanwhile, key defensive anchor Cristian Romero has been sidelined since April due to a partial MCL tear in his knee, but Scaloni is determined to hold his spot until the absolute last minute given his status as an undisputed starter. High up the pitch, Nico Gonzalez is managing a delicate physical setback of his own, and the rising midfield talent Nico Paz is under close medical monitoring his knee injury as the medical staff works overtime to see if they can safely hit the ground running.

The first challenges for Lionel Messi and Argentina

Argentina will kick off their Group J title defense on June 16 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. For their second match, the reigning world champions with Lionel Messi at the helm will head to Arlington, Texas, to face Austria at AT&T Stadium on June 22. Finally, the Albiceleste will wrap up the group stage at the very same venue in Texas on June 27, where they will play their final group game against tournament debutants Jordan.

“Yeah, he’s a professional. He’s played a lot of football. He’s a leader that we’re counting on right now,” the head coach told reporters on Wednesday. “You see that side of him when it gets competitive, that was fun to get that move the ball period and get guys off of scripts and see how they respond, and you see the fire come out, and that’s what I want from our guys.”

Klint Kubiak knows Kirk Cousins firsthand, and understands that his experience in the league could not only help the Las Vegas Raiders achieve strong results, but also help refine a young talent like Fernando Mendoza with an eye toward the future.

Kubiak and Cousins already know each other from Minnesota

When Kubiak took over the reins as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator in 2021, he and Kirk Cousins picked up right where the previous scheme left off, keeping that offense running like a well-oiled machine. Having already spent two years as the quarterback coach, he had a great connection with Captain Kirk, and it showed on the field.

Under his play-calling, Cousins put up some highly efficient numbers in that play-action-heavy system, throwing for over 4,200 yards, 33 touchdowns, and protecting the ball with just 7 interceptions. It was a smooth, high-execution partnership that not only kept the quarterback playing at an elite level but also helped fuel a massive 1,600-yard season for Justin Jefferson.

Fernando Mendoza awaits his moment

Even with a veteran like Kirk Cousins on the roster, the Raiders didn’t draft Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall just to let him sit on the bench forever. He is seen as the undisputed centerpiece of Las Vegas’ long-term future.

Coming off a historic, undefeated 16-0 season with the Indiana Hoosiers where he absolutely lit up college football—putting up a 72% completion rate, 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions alongside a Heisman Trophy—Mendoza has the elite pedigree of a true franchise quarterback.

“Not everyone that doesn’t practice or gets a pro day is on the IR …” White revealed during her press conference once the game concluded. In that case, the follow-up question was about the update to the injury report. “She wasn’t on the IR earlier b/c we expected her to play.”

This controversial decision by the Fever staff led many to start questioning the possibility of a potential sanction. However, the head coach herself believes there is no reason for that to happen.

What ails Caitlin Clark?

Once again, Caitlin Clark is making headlines due to physical discomfort, although in this case it does not appear to be too serious. A back soreness led the staff to rule her out of the game in which her team defeated the Fire 90–73. They are now hoping for her quick recovery so she can be available for the game against the Golden State Valkyries on Friday night.

Boston, Mitchell and Hull took charge of the Fever

With Caitlin Clark out, the rest of her teammates had to step up against the Portland Fire. Aliyah Boston was the standout of the game, finishing with 24 points and eight rebounds on just 11 shots, with Kelsey Mitchell also adding 21 points on 11 shots of her own. Lexie Hull scored 16 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting, all from three-point range.

What’s next for Indiana?

• vs Golden State Valkyries, May 22nd
• at Golden State Valkyries, May 28th
• at Portland Fire, May 30th
• vs Atlanta Dream, June 4th
• at New York Liberty, June 6th

“I was excited, I really was, because we really developed a special friendship, I felt like, last year. To be able to have another year with him and to learn from him, for him to continue to pour into Drew [Allar] and also me, is just an unbelievable opportunity for me as a young player in this league to learn from one of the legends that’s been doing it for a long time,” Howard said to the press.

“So, I’m excited. I just want to soak up everything I can. Take advantage of my opportunities when they’re there and just be the best version of myself every day.”

Will Howard’s rookie season was entirely a developmental year, as Aaron Rodgers managed to play every regular-season and playoff game for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It will now be time for Howard to make the most of the opportunity, with the possibility of becoming the new leader of Steel City in 2027.

Who will take the reins in Pittsburgh next season?

Aaron Rodgers will have his last dance in 2026, making this his final chance to win another Super Bowl ring. While many are enjoying the opportunity to have him for this season, others are already looking a little further ahead: who will be the starting quarterback in 2027?

It is clear that the recent selections of Will Howard and Drew Allar in the last two drafts are a strong indication of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ search for a future franchise quarterback. The development of both players under the wing of Rodgers, combined with Mason Rudolph’s experience on the depth chart, could be extremely beneficial for Mike McCarthy and his staff.

Opportunities to learn from Rodgers

The masterclass kicks off right now on the field with OTAs (running in blocks from May 18–21, May 26–29, and June 8–12), where Howard and Allar can study how Rodgers commands the huddle, messes with defenses during 7-on-7 drills, and uses his legendary hard count.

Then things pick up with Mandatory Minicamp (June 2–4), a high-intensity stretch under Mike McCarthy that will really test their mental speed. Finally, the real grind happens at Training Camp starting in late July. That’s where the young QBs can watch firsthand how a four-time MVP breaks down film, reads complex coverages, and prepares his mind and body for his 22nd and final NFL season.

In a recent conversation with the media, Monken said that “nothing’s changed” regarding his approach to selecting a starting quarterback. However, he did reveal that Sanders has made notable progress during this period, while also noting that Watson looks physically improved as well.

“I think Shedeur has come miles in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts…,” the head coach said. The only certainty at the moment is that neither of them has secured the starting job ahead of the season opener.

The Dawg Pound QB room also includes two other names who currently sit a bit further down the depth chart. The first is Dillon Gabriel, who, like Shedeur, will also be entering his second NFL season, and the recently drafted Taylen Green, who comes from the Boise State Broncos.

Sanders looks to improve his numbers, Watson to stay healthy

During his 2025 rookie campaign with the Browns, Shedeur Sanders stepped into the fire to start seven games, throwing for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 56.6% completion percentage. Sanders will look to clean up his decision-making and cut down on costly turnovers under Todd Monken’s new system.

On the other hand, Deshaun Watson has been sidelined since suffering a torn Achilles against the Cincinnati Bengals in October 2024. He is now back on the practice field for 2026, highly motivated to stay healthy and reclaim his role as QB1.

Monken aims to bring the Browns back into contention

Following his appointment as head coach in early 2026, Todd Monken aims to steer the Cleveland Browns back to the postseason for the first time since their wildcard exit in the 2023 season. To break this drought, Monken will install his signature offensive philosophy: an adaptable and innovative system built on explosive chunk plays, and an aggressive vertical passing attack.

Navigating the brutal AFC North gridlock will be his ultimate test, requiring tactical chess matches against three formidable divisional rivals. He will have to counter Mike McCarthy’s physical Pittsburgh Steelers, out-duel the Cincinnati Bengals, and exploit his intimate, inside knowledge of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens—his former team—to survive the NFL’s most unforgiving division and secure a playoff berth.

The start of a new dream for Cleveland

The Todd Monken era is locked and loaded, and the Browns are kicking things off with a pretty wild little warm-weather gauntlet. They’ll start the season in Week 1 by heading down to Florida to clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars, followed immediately by another road trip to the Sunshine State in Week 2 to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After dealing with this two difficult games, they finally get to head back north for the Week 3 home opener at Huntington Bank Field, where they’ll welcome the Carolina Panthers.

If the move is completed, Casemiro would arrive as the centerpiece of the midfield, eventually replacing Yannick Bright. On the wings, Rodrigo De Paul would continue playing on the right side, while Telasco Segovia would operate on the left.

Manager Diego Hoyos usually deploys a 4-3-3 formation. In that setup, this could be a potential starting lineup with the new addition: St. Claire; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Rodrigo De Paul, Casemiro, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Germán Berterame.

LA Galaxy are also interested in Casemiro

The Los Angeles Galaxy are also highly interested in the veteran Brazilian midfielder, having already tabled multiple contract offers, and they uniquely hold his MLS discovery rights—giving them the priority claim to sign him within the league.

If Casemiro ultimately chooses to join Lionel Messi in Miami, MLS regulations dictate that Inter Miami cannot simply bypass this rule; instead, they will be forced to trade and financially compensate the Galaxy to officially acquire those priority rights and finalize the transfer.

Inter Miami look to stay in the Eastern Conference race

Inter Miami and Lionel Messi face a test this Sunday, May 24, as they host the Philadelphia Union at Nu Stadium in their final MLS match before the league pauses for the World Cup. Currently sitting just two points behind Nashville SC in the standings, the Herons need a victory on home turf to close the gap and secure a momentum-boosting win.

Securing three points heading into the long summer break is essential, especially with the looming pressure of keeping pace at the top of the Eastern Conference before the season officially resumes in mid-July.

“It was unfortunate, for sure, to say the least,” Willis said recently from Dolphins Organized Team Activities. “That’s a really good player and I would have loved to play with him, but that’s above my pay grade, brother. Out of my hands.”

The trade that sent Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos was a long-term bet for the Miami Dolphins, who received three draft picks in return. They held the 30th overall pick (later moved in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers, shifting up to pick 27), where they selected Chris Johnson. At pick 94 they chose wide receiver Chris Bell, and with pick 130 they added Texas edge rusher Trey Moore.

Dolphins’ 2026 aerial attack

In the midst of a full rebuild and with a clear long-term vision, Miami has decided to surround Malik Willis with young talent and recent offseason additions such as Jalen Tolbert from the Dallas Cowboys and Tutu Atwell from the Los Angeles Rams.

The void left by Jaylen Waddle

During his five seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Jaylen Waddle was an absolute dynamic force, racking up 373 receptions for 5,039 yards and 26 receiving touchdowns across 78 games, highlighted by a spectacular 1,356-yard campaign in 2022. Replacing that kind of elite, vertical production is going to be incredibly difficult for Miami’s offense moving forward.

The challenge becomes exponentially harder with Malik Willis taking over as the team’s new leader under center; as a quarterback with a vastly different, more run-heavy and developmental style, Willis simply doesn’t possess the seasoned passing chemistry or high-volume aerial experience needed to replicate the constant deep-threat impact that Waddle brought to South Florida every single Sunday.

Dolphins also lost Tyreek Hill

As if moving on from Jaylen Waddle wasn’t enough, the Miami Dolphins will also be without Tyreek Hill for the 2026 season. Back in February, the new front office decided to completely clear house, releasing the superstar wide receiver to save nearly $23 million against the salary cap.

Hill’s massive $51 million cap hit, combined with a severe, season-ending knee injury (torn ACL) suffered in September 2025, made him an inevitable cap casualty for a team entering a massive rebuild.

“Do they circle back and maybe look at the idea of trading for AJ Brown? I don’t think that happens. They had that opportunity. They were on AJ Brown’s list. They said no to the Eagles in the first place,” the insider stated on The Breer Report.

The future of one of the most consistent receivers for the Philadelphia Eagles in recent years still appears uncertain. Could the New England Patriots ultimately be Brown’s destination? What is clear is that it seems he will likely not be catching passes from Patrick Mahomes in the 2026 NFL season.

What happened with Rashee Rice?

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was ordered to jail on Tuesday after testing positive for THC, a direct violation of his probation terms following his 2024 high-speed crash. A Dallas County judge revoked his release conditions and ordered him to serve a 30-day sentence immediately, keeping him behind bars until June 16.

The Chiefs’ interesting receiving corps

Rashee Rice’s incident does not rule him out of Andy Reid’s plans for the upcoming NFL season. Additionally, with the unlikely arrival of A.J. Brown, the experienced head coach can rely heavily on players such as Tyquan Thornton and Xavier Worthy, among others.

What lies ahead for the Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to begin Phase 3 of their offseason program with voluntary OTAs scheduled for May 26–28 and June 1–3. Following those sessions, the team will transition immediately into their Mandatory Minicamp from June 9–11, marking the final official team practices before breaking for the summer ahead of Training Camp in late July.

“That will be one more step in the direction of being a good enough football team to kick the Cowboys’ (expletive),” Harbaugh said. Meanwhile, as these statements were being made public on social media, Lamb responded ironically: “Lol that’s cute.”

Dak Prescott and his Dallas Cowboys will visit MetLife Stadium in Week 1, in what will be a high-profile season opener for both teams. Both franchises have aspirations of contending, and the buildup is already starting to heat up, even though the start of the season is still several months away.

Latest matchups between Cowboys and Giants

The 2025 season series between the Giants and Cowboys delivered two wildly different scripts, resulting in a 1-1 split. In Week 2, the teams engaged in a thrilling offensive shootout at AT&T Stadium, where the Cowboys managed a narrow 40-37 overtime victory sealed by a dramatic 64-yard Brandon Aubrey field goal to force OT and a 46-yarder to win it, despite a massive 450-yard, 3-touchdown performance by Russell Wilson.

However, the Giants got their revenge in the January season finale, capitalizing on an early Dak Prescott exit to dominate Dallas 34-17 behind rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart’s highly efficient performance and a relentless defense, ensuring both division rivals finished their disappointing 2025 campaigns outside the postseason picture.

John Harbaugh and CeeDee Lamb will face each other twice

Beyond their Week 1 opener, the second divisional matchup between John Harbaugh’s Giants and CeeDee Lamb’s Cowboys will take place in Week 17 on Sunday, January 3, 2027.

This late-season clash will kick off at 1:00 PM ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, serving as a high-stakes battle that could carry massive playoff implications for the NFC East right before the regular-season finale.

“Lamar has been one of the leaders of the offseason program. A couple things going on yesterday and today. I do expect him to be back soon. We’ve had some great conversations. [I] know when he’s going to be back, and I’ll probably leave that between me and Lamar,” Minter said during his press conference.

The lack of clarity surrounding the quarterback’s absence created quite a bit of uncertainty. However, there was also no indication of a potential injury to the signal-caller, which certainly would not have been a positive development for the team.

The Ravens fell short of reaching the playoffs last season, and they have taken matters into their own hands to change the course of the franchise. Despite having one of the deepest quarterback rooms in the NFL, the organization continues to place its trust in Jackson to finally deliver the long-awaited Super Bowl title.

Jesse Minter’s options in the QB room

Under new head coach Jesse Minter, the Baltimore Ravens are currently carrying an unusually crowded five-man quarterback room, anchored by superstar Lamar Jackson and locked-in veteran backup Tyler Huntley. With depth charting tightly behind the top two, the real battle lies at the bottom of the roster, where Skylar Thompson, acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers, undrafted Heisman finalist Diego Pavia, and Joe Fagnano are competing for a depth spot.

Carrying five quarterbacks through the summer is highly impractical for practice reps, meaning at least two of them will certainly be cut before the regular season, with the survivors likely fighting for a single No. 3 spot on the practice squad.

First challenges for the Ravens

The Ravens will wrap up their offseason with OTAs on June 1, 2, and 4, followed by Mandatory Minicamp on June 9–10, before rookies report to Training Camp in mid-July and veterans arrive on July 21.

From there, Baltimore transitions straight into a demanding opening stretch of the regular season, starting with a road opener at the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, September 13 (Week 1), followed by their home opener against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 20 (Week 2), and culminating in a historic international matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, September 27 (Week 3).

Through his official Instagram account, Rice posted a photo alongside some of his teammates with the message: “I told you all.. it’s done,” accompanied by a trophy emoji and a heart.

With one matchday remaining in the season, the Gunners sit four points ahead of Manchester City, a lead that is mathematically unassailable for Pep Guardiola’s side. The last time Arsenal were crowned champions was in the 2003–04 season.

Declan Rice was one of the key players in this team’s strong campaign. Although one match still remains, he managed to score 4 goals and provide 5 assists for his teammates throughout the season.

Arsenal now turn focus to the Champions League

With the domestic title now behind them, Mikel Arteta’s squad has fully shifted its focus to the biggest prize in European soccer. The Gunners are set to clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary. Arsenal will be looking to join the list of unbeaten Champions League winners.

Only a select few English teams have achieved ‘the double’ of winning the domestic league and the European Cup in the same season, and Arsenal are determined to etch their names into that elite history by lifting their first-ever Champions League trophy.

Liverpool were the first of those three clubs to achieve such a feat. In the 1976/77 season, under the leadership of Bob Paisley, they became the first club to accomplish it. The same milestone was repeated seven years later during the 1983/84 season.

Manchester United, a European giant, also joined this list, though much more recently. With Alex Ferguson as their leading figure, they managed to win the double in the 1998/99 and 2007/08 seasons.

Pep Guardiola, who is reportedly set to leave Manchester City after this season, previously guided the club to the highest level a few years ago. It was during the 2022–23 season that the Citizens secured both titles.

Arsenal seek the double

The highly anticipated 2025/26 UEFA Champions League final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026. The showpiece match will be hosted at the impressive Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, where French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain will clash with English side Arsenal for European football’s ultimate prize.

The team led by Mikel Arteta will play in this stage for the second time in its history. The first and only previous occasion came in the 2005–06 season, when the Gunners lost 2–1 to FC Barcelona at the Stade de France. Arsenal will now be looking to join the list of undefeated UEFA Champions League winners.

The information was confirmed through the official website of the English Football League, where it was also announced that the club will suffer a four-point deduction for the 2026/27 Championship season. Middlesbrough, who had contested the semifinal, will now have the opportunity to fight for promotion.

The investigation over Southampton focused primarily on these three matches: against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026, and Middlesbrough in May 2026. A devastating outcome for a team that dreamed of reaching the top tier of English soccer.

Middlesbrough and Hull City, fighting for a place in the Premier League

The highly anticipated Championship play-off final between Middlesbrough and Hull City is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London.

Hull City booked their ticket to the capital after a solid 2–0 aggregate victory over Millwall in the semi-finals. The kickoff time has not yet been confirmed by the authorities.

Middlesbrough want to return to the top flight

Middlesbrough‘s last stint in the top flight came during the 2016–17 season, which marked a brief and disappointing return after a seven-year absence. Managed initially by Aitor Karanka, Boro struggled massively in front of goal, netting a league-low 27 goals all year despite maintaining a solid defensive record.

Their fate was officially sealed on May 8, 2017, when a 3–0 defeat at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea confirmed their relegation in 19th place, sending them right back to the Championship where they have remained ever since.

“There’s not a better tight end group, I don’t think, in the league, potentially,” the experienced head coach said, via the New York Post. “Jaxson has a bunch of guys to go to.”

The words of Harbaugh are supported by his actions. The coach spent nearly two decades with the Baltimore Ravens and, after his dismissal, decided to bring Isaiah Likely, one of his weapons from the last season, to the G-Men.

Dart will have plenty of weapons at his disposal

Entering his sophomore season, Jaxson Dart is surrounded by a dynamic group of playmakers designed to elevate the New York Giants‘ offense. His aerial attack is anchored by explosive, Pro Bowl wide receiver Malik Nabers, alongside the veteran speed and deep-threat capabilities of Darnell Mooney and Darius Slayton.

Over the middle, the addition of tight end Isaiah Likely provides Dart with a highly physical and reliable security blanket, while versatile running back Cam Skattebo commands the backfield to offer a powerful, dual-threat weapon in both the rushing and passing games.

New York Giants TE room for 2026

• Isaiah Likely
• Theo Johnson
• Chris Manhertz
• Thomas Fidone II
• Tanner Conner

Harbaugh’s philosophy could benefit his tight ends

John Harbaugh’s physical, run-first style is an absolute dream for the Giants’ tight ends. His love for heavy personnel and a bruising ground game forces defenses to crowd the line, which opens up massive lanes over the middle.

For a dynamic target like Isaiah Likely, this means the perfect mix of high-volume targets and juicy play-action mismatches to feast on and rack up easy yards after the catch.